LIV WARFIELD

MMUSICMAG.COM
ISSUE #36
WHO’S NEXT
liv warfield
HOMeTOwN:
iNflueNces:
alBuM:
weBsiTe:
Peoria, Ill.
Nina Simone, Etta James, Tina Turner
The Unexpected, out now
livwarfieldmusic.com
The daughTer of a PenTecosTal deacon, liV Warfield
grew up in a household where musical entertainment was
discouraged, so she set her sights on a different path—as a sprinter.
“i kept my voice a secret for more than 20 years,” she says. “athletics
were my primary discipline and the encouraged formula of success
in my family.” following high school Warfield accepted a track-andfield scholarship to Portland state university in Portland, ore. But
between classes and track meets, Warfield began performing at
karaoke nights throughout the city and eventually started her own
band, liV and the Warfield Project.
When Prince’s new Power generation announced an open
audition in 2009, Warfield submitted a YouTube video that featured
a powerful rendition of the rolling stones’ “gimme shelter.” it was
all Prince needed to see, and he extended an invitation for Warfield
to become a backup singer in his influential backing band. The
opportunity allowed her to perform alongside B.B. King, the roots
and al green. receiving support from Prince, Warfield gained an
extra level of confidence. “i’ve finally tapped into my chi and that’s just
letting yourself go—no boundaries,” she says. “i’m in full flight now.”
While Warfield has toured with the new Power generation,
she has also spent much of her time recording her latest album,
The Unexpected, at Prince’s Paisley Park studios near Minneapolis.
“i had to be at my best and not shortchange my feelings on this
record,” she says. “The words and vocals should penetrate.” Prince,
the album’s executive producer, helped her achieve the desired
sound—“alternative r&B-soul with a bit of rock ’n’ roll.” since
its release, Warfield has performed on Late Show With David
Letterman, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon and The Arsenio Hall Show.
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